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Data Prep for Notion Import, Best Practices

Updated: Apr 7

Master data prep for Notion import with our expert tips. Our data upload tool is designed to simplify the process, but a clean and properly formatted CSV is key to ensuring a smooth import. Here’s how to prepare your CSV and extract it from popular tools like Google Sheets and Excel.


Step 1: Clean Your Data

Before creating your CSV file, ensure your data is:

  1. Consistent:

    • Avoid mixing data types in the same column (e.g., combining text and numbers).

    • Ensure uniform formatting for dates, currencies, and other structured data.

  2. Clean:

    • Remove unnecessary rows, columns, and blank spaces.

    • Eliminate duplicate entries unless intentionally included.

  3. Well-Labeled:

    • Use clear and concise column headers that match the intended Notion database properties.

  4. Streamlined for Mapping:

    • Ensure each row represents a unique record.

    • Separate multi-value fields into distinct rows or use delimiters (e.g., commas for tags).

    • If you haven’t already created the property in Notion, make sure you do before upload. This will allow you to successfully map.


Step 2: Save Your File as CSV

The upload tool requires a CSV file format (“Comma-Separated Values”), which is universally recognized and simple to generate. Follow these steps for Google Sheets and Excel:

Exporting a CSV from Google Sheets:

  1. Open your Google Sheets file.

  2. Go to File > Download > Comma-separated values (.csv, current sheet).

  3. The CSV file will download to your default downloads folder.

  4. Double-check the file to ensure the exported data matches your expectations.

Exporting a CSV from Excel:

  1. Open your Excel workbook.

  2. Navigate to the tab containing the data you want to export.

  3. Go to File > Save As (Windows) or File > Export (Mac).

  4. Select a location to save your file.

  5. Choose CSV (Comma delimited) (*.csv) as the file format.

  6. Click Save and confirm any prompts about features not supported by CSV files.

Exporting a CSV from Another Source:

If you’re trying to export a CSV from another source than Google Sheets or Excel, you can usually find instructions on how to export in their documentation, online tutorials, or by reaching out to their support team.


Step 3: Validate Your CSV

Before uploading, validate your CSV to ensure:

  • Column Alignment: Verify that each column corresponds to a property in your Notion database.

  • No Hidden Characters: Check for unintended characters, especially if you’ve copied data from other sources.

  • File Size: Ensure your file doesn’t exceed the upload limits if you’re on the free plan of Spaceloadr


Step 4: Use Our Data Upload Tool

With your CSV ready, here’s how to use our tool:

  1. Upload Your File: Select the CSV file from your computer

  2. Map Your Columns: Match the CSV headers to the corresponding Notion database properties using the intuitive mapping interface.

  3. Confirm and Import: Once satisfied, confirm your mappings and initiate the upload.


Tips for Success

  • Backup Your Data: Always keep a backup of your original file before making edits.

  • Test with a Small File: If you’re importing a large dataset, test with a smaller subset first.

  • Standardize Formats: Use ISO formats for dates (YYYY-MM-DD) and avoid regional-specific formatting.


By following these steps, you’ll ensure a seamless import experience. If you encounter any issues, our support team is here to help. Happy uploading!

 
 
 

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